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You Know Botox, But Do You Really Know Botox?

Botox has become so popular, not just in the United States, but around the world that it’s easy to think it has been around forever. And while Botox has been used for decades to address other issues such as involuntary eyelid spasms, it wasn’t approved by the FDA for cosmetic use until 2002.

It’s amazing how popular this injectable has become in just 13 years. In fact, year in and year out, Botox is the single most popular cosmetic treatment worldwide.

But do you know how Botox really works? Dr. Kayastha likes his patients to be as educated as possible about the aesthetic world, so here’s some info about Botox.

How does Botox work?

Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin. But scientists discovered decades ago that the botulinum toxin type A, when injected into a muscle in very small amounts, is able to paralyze that muscle for a certain period of time. Botox has been used for a few decades to stop involuntary eyelid spasms, some TMJ muscles issues, even migraine headaches. But when the FDA approved it for cosmetic use in 2002, the roof blew off.

Why? Creases and wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions when we perform day-to-day actions such as smiling or frowning. These wrinkles are called “dynamic” wrinkles. Botox actually blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscle, so the injected muscle can’t contract. And when those muscles that create crow’s feet and forehead creases don’t contract, the wrinkles don’t form. And when they don’t form, the patient looks years, sometimes decades, younger. Botox became an overnight cosmetic sensation, and for good reason because its results are real and consistent.

How long do Botox results last?

The body eventually absorbs the now-harmless Botox, usually in about four to six months. At that point, the muscles in question will begin to contract again and the wrinkles will return. To maintain your results, another Botox session is needed.

What occurs following treatment with Botox?

A Botox session at K Plastic Surgery takes just a few minutes. There is no downtime, although there may be some slight swelling and redness at the injection sites. Patients also need to avoid rubbing the injected areas for 12 hours, as that can cause the Botox to migrate to unwanted spots. Results usually take from three to seven days to fully show themselves.

If you aren’t one of the millions of people who use Botox, you may want to make an appointment with K Plastic Surgery to give it a shot, literally! Call us at 518-346-0002 to make an appointment.